I have no clue where to start with this episode: it was epic, visceral and breath taking. It was everything you love if you're a fan of "Game of Thrones" or even just a fan of great television. This was by far the best episode in the history of "Game Of Thrones" and best episode of television I've watched since "Breaking Bad" went off air in 2013. This episode set the tone, from the very first moments with the best score to ever appear in an episode of Game of Thrones. The masterful score reminded me of the best scene in "The Godfather" where Michael Corleone finally obtains vengeance on those who have wronged him, and comes into his own as leader of the family.
Cersei, much like Michael Coreleone, is seen with a cool demeanor as her plan is carried out as she calmly prepares to be finally and firmly grasp power with her own hands and no longer through proxy's like Robert, Tywin or Joffery. I think Cersei finally gave into to the prophecy that was given to her by Maggy the Frog, which stated that each of her children would die, she would be supplanted by a younger beauty, and killed by her little brother. This is why Cersei donned the black, because she knew one way or another Tommen would die due to her actions. This was enough action and suspense to last a whole episode but this was truly only the beginning.
P.S. Lancel, maybe following random kids in the dark isn't the brightest idea.
This was followed by the most ruthless Cersei scene to date when she gains revenge on the Septa who tortured her while she was in the Sept and one of the most jarring scenes in the episode when Tommen, racked by sadness over the death of his beloved Margery, commits suicide. I actually screamed when Tommen fell from the Red Keep, it was so surprising and unexpected but completely satisfying and believable.
Then we got the the treat of another boring Sam and Gilly scene. I honestly hope they die soon, they're so boring, and between them they have literally done one useful thing in the entire show.
As we travel to Winterfell, we get my favorite scene in the history of "Game of Thrones." It occurs later in the episode but before that we find out that winter has now officially come to Westeros. We then to travel to Meereen where Dany throws Daario to the side in preparation to conquer Westeros. Dany has a touching moment with Tyrion in which she names him her hand of the Queen. But WOW was this cold or what? She threw him to side mercilessly and then proceeded to say she didn't even like him that much; I was shocked by Dany's callousness towards Daario in combination to her affection with Tyrion.
The next scene was very close to being my favorite all time GOT scene. I completely saw Arya killing Walder Frey but I did not see her feeding him his two children. As is a theme for me in this episode - I was taken aback but this time by Arya's savageness.
We return to Winterfell for another scene between gross and creepy Petyr Baelish and Sansa, who has finally become one of the smartest and most enjoyable characters on the show. Baelish finally reveals to Sansa that he wished to sit on the Iron Throne with her as his wife and she rightfully says no and cringes because gross.
We then see Bran finishing his trip to the past in which he sees Ned come upon the Tower of Joy. Then we are treated to the "surprise" that Lyanna Stark is Jon's real mother, which is only a surprise if you're nine or you haven't been on the internet in the last decade.
Lady Olenna remains the queen of shade as she effortlessly treats the sand snakes grown women as if they're small children and watching Lady Olena do her thing never gets old. Varys entering and reciting the words of house Targaryen was the perfect way for Ellaria Sand to assure Lady Olenna that revenge on Cersei and the Lannisters would be hers.
We then go to see squabbling among the north about what should be done next and the squabbling among grown men is broken up by the smartest and most bad-ass Lord in the room: Lady Mormont. After Lady Mormont chides all the lords for not taking up the call to banners for the Starks when asked, all Northern Lords admit the error of their ways leading to a scene so awesome it made me want to pledge my sword to John as well. While paralleling but also remaining distinct from my previous favorite scene, the coronation of Robb, long live the King in the North.
We follow Jon's ascent to Kingship with another hopeful crown bearer looking on as The Iron Islands, Dorne, and High Garden all have now aligned to destroy Cersei and conquer Westeros. Cersei's actions closely parallel the mad king's and I think, like him, she will meet her fate by the hand of Jaime.
I cannot say how excited I am for next season, especially since Dany is finally heading towards Westeros and out of Mereen. Now that winter has finally come and that Jon has finally rallied the north to his side, I'm not sure I can wait another year for more.This episode was the culmination of everything that has happened in GOT over the last few seasons; it was done wonderfully and masterfully. Congratulations to Director Miguel Sapochnik for the greatest episode of what is right now the best show on television, and they proved it on Sunday night.